Cold Weather Overboot RFI 15AUG2025.pdf

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

Cold Weather Overboot

Product Manager Combat Service Support Equipment Program Manager Combat Support Systems (PM CSS)

General Information

Document Type Request for Information (RFI) Request for Information Number M67854-25-I-5412 Posted Date August 15, 2025 Response Date September 15, 2025 NAICS/PSC Codes 316210/8415

Description This is a Sources Sought/Request for Information (RFI) notice issued by the United States Marine Corps (USMC), Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC), Program Manager Combat Support Systems (PM CSS), Product Manager Combat Service Support Equipment (PdM CSSE). PdM CSSE is conducting market research to find a durable, lightweight cold weather overboot that provides extra protection to Marines in cold weather without requiring different primary boots. The overboot needs to be durable, lightweight and effectively able to enhance cold weather protection for Marines while integrating seamlessly with their existing footwear system (Marine Corps Intense Cold Weather Boot (ICWB), temperate boot, synthetic down booties (happy booties), and potentially with a ski march boot or ski march boot liners, excluding the vapor barrier boots (bunny boot).

Below are some key requirements for the cold weather overboot;

- Enhanced Cold Weather (CW) Protection: The overboot shall significantly improve the cold weather performance of the ICWB and other compatible boots, particularly in sub-zero temperatures.

- Integration and Compatibility: Seamless integration with the ICWB is crucial, along with compatibility with temperate boots, synthetic down booties (happy booties), and potentially with ski march boots or ski march boot liners. However, it does not need to integrate with the vapor barrier boot (bunny boot).

- Slip Resistance: Soles shall be designed with treads to provide grip on icy or snowy surfaces.

- Insulation: Shall include either natural or synthetic insulation to provide warmth in cold temperatures.

- Berry Amendment Compliance: Materials used shall meet Berry Amendment requirements.

Specifications:

- Water Resistance: The overboot shall be waterproof to prevent water from melted snow and/or slush from entering the boot.

- Insulation: The overboot shall have insulation for providing additional warmth in extreme cold conditions. The outsole, midsole, and/or insole shall prevent heat loss to cold ground.

- Drying: The overboot shall not absorb water and shall be capable of being dried quickly (i.e., moisture wiped out or ice shaken out).

- Weight: The overboot shall be lightweight and packable (i.e., can be rolled up or compressed down for easy storage in a backpack).

- Donning/Doffing: The overboot shall open wide enough to easily be donned and doffed.

- Durability: The inside of the overboot shall be made of durable materials that can withstand repeated abrasion from combat boots being slid into and out of the overboot.

- Temperature Range: The overboot shall be operable in temperatures from -50° F to 40° F.

The overboot shall provide the wearer with ~20° F of additional warmth.

- Bulk: The overboot shall minimize bulk to allow for normal walking when being worn.

Any buckles and/or straps should be oriented to minimize potential trip hazards.

- Security: The overboot shall have a method of fastening onto the user’s foot/boot. The overboot shall remain stable and not cause the user’s foot/boot to slide inside the overboot while being used.

- Sizing: The overboot shall be available in multiple sizes that can accommodate US men’s 6-15 combat boots.

Responses Interested parties are requested to respond to this RFI with a white paper in Microsoft Office Word 2016 or compatible format no later than 3:00 PM EST on September 15, 2025. Responses shall be written in Times New Roman single spaced 12-point font. Responses shall be submitted via email only to: Cheryl Harding at cheryl.harding@usmc.mil and Ebony King at ebony.king@usmc.mil. Proprietary information, if any, should be minimized and MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED. To aid the Government, please segregate proprietary information. Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned.

(1) Section 1 of the white paper shall provide administrative information. Administrative information shall include at a minimum:

• Name, mailing address, overnight delivery address (if different from mailing address), phone number, fax number, and email of designated point of contact (POC).

• Business website

• Business type and number of employees (large business, small business, small-disadvantaged business, 8(a)-certified small-disadvantaged business, HUBZone small business, woman-owned small business, very small business, veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business).

• SAM.gov Unique Entity ID (UEI) and Contractor and Government Entity (CAGE) Code (if your company has these).

• Recommended contracting strategy (Commercial, Noncommercial, Firm Fixed price, Cost).

mailto:cheryl.harding@usmc.mil mailto:ebony.king@usmc.mil

• The facility security clearance of the vendor or the ability to acquire one (if available but not required).

• Do you have a viable Federal Supply Schedule that can support this procurement? If so, provide your GSA Schedule information to include the category of products provided.

• Do you have a current contract with other DoD Activities? If so, provide associated information.

Section 1 of the white paper shall be limited to one page.

(2) Section 2 of the white paper shall provide information on the products and services each vendor can offer with respect to the cold weather overboot. Responders shall address the following in their RFI response:

• Technical Specifications: Furnish detailed technical specifications of the system and accessories, including dimensions, weight, materials used, and any additional features or capabilities.

• Durability and Environmental Resistance: Provide details on the durability of the overboot, including resistance to extreme weather conditions, environmental elements, and potential threats encountered in operational environments.

• Manufacturing Readiness and Production Capacity: Please address the following:

o Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) with justification; identify maturity shortfalls and associated costs and risks.

o If the overboot is not currently in full-rate production, is the boot design complete and stable to enter low-rate production.

o Supply Chain Management and risks addressing long lead items (defined as greater than 1 year) and critical components.

o Production capacity and scalability and schedule to maximum production rate with existing facilities.

o Lead time from contract award to first delivery.

o Identify the minimum sustainment rate to ensure continuous production.

• Support and Maintenance: Describe the supply chain risks and warranty provisions.

• Cost and Delivery: Provide estimated costs for the procurement of the overboot, including any associated expenses such as installation, and logistics. Additionally, indicate lead times for delivery upon order placement. Identify any relevant systems listed on GSA and National Stock Number.

Section 2 of the white paper shall be limited to 20 pages per variant type.

Questions Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing via email to Cheryl Harding at cheryl.harding@usmc.mil, and Ebony King at ebony.king@usmc.mil, no later than August 22, 2025. Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. Questions shall NOT contain proprietary or classified information. The Government does not guarantee that questions received after August 22, 2025, will be answered.

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY. This RFI has been issued solely for information and planning purposes in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) mailto:cheryl.harding@usmc.mil mailto:ebony.king@usmc.mil

Clause 52.215-3. It does not constitute an Invitation for Bid (IFB), a Request for Proposal (RFP), a Request for Quotation (RFQ), or an indication that the Government will contract for any of the items and/or services contained in this notice. This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Further, the Marine Corps is not seeking proposals at this time and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Responders are advised that the U.S.

Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI; all costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested party’s expense. Responses may not include classified material. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future solicitation if one is issued. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on the SAM.Gov (https://sam.gov/) website. It is the responsibility of the potential offerors to monitor SAM.gov for additional information pertaining to this requirement.